Most Affordable Online Law Schools in 2026

Updated on 9/24/2025

Affordable online law programs offer an increasingly attractive option for those looking to enter the legal profession.

With the combination of the convenience of online learning and the affordability of these programs, more and more students are taking advantage of the opportunity to pursue a legal education on their schedule.

With a variety of options, there is something to suit almost any budget, and the quality of the education offered in these online programs is often comparable to that of traditional, on-campus programs.

List of Affordable Online Juris Doctor (JD) Programs

This article will list a few accredited, affordable online law programs. These programs range from full-time to part-time to hybrid programs.

1. Albany Law School

Albany Law School has a Flex Juris Doctor program. This hybrid program prepares graduates to sit the bar upon graduation.

Offering students the same benefits as on-campus students, the Flex JD program professors teach both on-campus and online coursework.

To complete this program, it takes three years and three months and involves a combination of asynchronous and synchronous courses, as well as one short, intense in-person session per year.

2. Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Offering one of the first complete online, part-time JD programs, Case Western Reserve University does not require in-person residency or visitation.

Case Western provides small cohort sizes that allow students to build a strong network and critical relationships.

Online students will have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities like law journals, Moot Court, and Mock Trails.

Students will be able to partake in nearby or remote externships as well.

3. Cleveland State University College of Law

This nationally ranked part-time program offers students an affordable Juris Doctor degree without needing relocation.

Cleveland State University's online law program is completed in three years and three months. They are offering specialized courses in areas such as business law, corporate compliance, and space law.

There is also an opportunity to gain a certificate in Cybersecurity or Health Law.

Students will gain experience through clinical programs, externships, mentorships, and six in-person weekend residencies.

4. Northeastern University-School of Law

Northeastern offers a FlexJD program that combines both traditional and innovative programs.

Throughout the four-year program, students must visit the Boston area six times for four days. Within those four days, degree seekers will have intensive law courses.

The online coursework is via live stream, two nights per week, and asynchronous classes.

Students can gain almost a year of full-time work experience through Northeastern's signature 'Cooperative Legal Education Program.'

It also provides students with other hands-on learning opportunities in moot court competitions and law journals.

5. St. Mary's University School of Law

St. Mary's University School of Law is proudly named the 'first fully online JD program accredited by the American Bar Association in the nation.'

This part-time program is broken down into eleven terms over three years. The fifth term starts the second-year curriculum, and the ninth term starts the third-year curriculum.

Due to St. Mary's dedication to their student's education, the JD program's cohort is capped at 25 students.

Students are given access to the same opportunities and resources as full-time students through this online program.

6. Seattle University School of Law

Seattle University gives students a flexible pathway to becoming a law professional with its FlexJD part-time hybrid online program.

This program offers most coursework online, with a few concentrated campus-based sessions each year to provide students with opportunities to connect with fellow students and faculty.

The courses involve asynchronous classes mixed with weekly live online sessions.

Seattle U offers a clinical program that allows students to gain experience in conjunction with an extensive externship program.

There are a few states, including New York, where Seattle University's law program does not meet the requirements to sit the bar. Verify your state's requirements before enrolling.

7. South Texas College of Law Houston

The fall entry, part-time online hybrid at South Texas College of Law Houston requires one in-person, on-campus residency at the beginning of each academic year.

This program lasts four years and allows access to faculty in person and online.

Learners will have access to all the resources and support as a full-time on-campus student.

Prior to graduation, students will partake in events, employment interviews, and real-life practice experiences provided through clinics, externships, and simulation courses.

8. Southwestern Law School Los Angeles

The nation's first full-time online JD program, Southwestern Law School offers asynchronous learning with optional Zoom sessions.

This program has an extensive network, thereby offering an array of diverse clinical programs and externship opportunities.

Students can choose from four concentrations, including entertainment and media law. Learners can also choose from the four-year part-time program or the three-year full-time program online.

9. Syracuse University College of Law

Offering 'the nation's first fully interactive online JD program,' Syracuse University's JDinteractive is designed to be flexible.

Through live real-time sessions, self-paced instruction, short on-campus courses, and experiential learning opportunities, the program is designed to help participants learn.

Syracuse was also named the nation's first online joint JD/MBA degree program. So, students can get their MBA while working towards their law degree.

Most coursework is delivered online via 50% asynchronous and 50% synchronous classes and self-paced work.

A short series of intense residential classes will be taken to graduate.

10. University of Hawai'i Williams S. Richardson School of Law

Providing a 100% online part-time JD, the University of Hawai'i's online JD Flex program can be completed in four years or longer if it is more convenient for the student.

This program has a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning.

Hawai'i's JD Flex program also offers experiential learning so students can gain work experience, including possible courtroom assignments.

There are clinicals as part of the program, allowing students to complete actual or simulated tasks they will conduct as practicing lawyers.

How Much Does an Online Law Degree Cost?

The cost of law school is set to increase on average by 1,400$ per year. This makes the average price of a law program between 31,932$ and 56,146$ per year.

These totals do not include books and other expenses that may be incurred.

How to Make an Online Degree Affordable

There are several things to consider when making online degrees affordable.

Employer Tuition Assistance

A number of companies encourage their students to continue their education and offer tuition assistance in those endeavors.

Contact your company's human resources department to determine if they are available.

If your goal is to advance in their organization, some companies may offer to pay your entire tuition.

Federal Assistance

There are various government loans and grant programs available. The grant programs do not require repayment, yet the loans must be repaid.

To determine eligibility, students are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

Scholarships

Research is necessary for this option, but there are thousands of scholarships that one can apply for.

Scholarship programs for students can often be found in law programs.

If you require aid with your research, feel free to contact the financial aid advisor at the school you intend to apply to.

Is an Online Law Degree Worth It

For any person, any degree option they choose may be worth the effort.

Whether an online or flex degree program is appropriate for the degree-seeker depends on their personal and professional goals, as well as their lifestyle.

Find an Affordable Degree in Law Online Today

Affordable online law programs are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and affordability. These programs offer various options to suit different budgets and provide quality education comparable to traditional on-campus programs. Find out more today.